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- Our Beloved ’80s and ’90s Shows, Reimagined
by Clara Mitchell
Updated: July 27, 2016
Originally Published: July 31, 2005
The television landscape of the ’80s and ’90s was truly exceptional. It’s no surprise I spent countless hours captivated by the screen, ice cream in one hand and the rest of the world fading away for brief 30-minute intervals. The writers of these beloved shows were undoubtedly onto something special. However, if we were to produce them today, the themes would take on a more realistic twist, reflecting the challenges of modern parenting.
Perfect Strangers
Your tween’s friends, whom you recognized just a few months ago, have suddenly transformed into taller, curvier versions of themselves—some even starting to shave. Who are these unfamiliar beings?
The Wonder Years
How do you manage to coax your child into eating a nutritious breakfast, remember to write a check for the school field trip, and steer clear of volunteering at every school function?
Who’s the Boss?
Inexplicably, your authority seems to have evaporated overnight. Your tween’s go-to phrase has morphed from “Mommy, let’s play!” to “You’re not the boss of me!” Remember those glorious days when your word was law? Those times were dyn-o-mite!
Saved by the Bell
Just as the doorbell rings, your child nonchalantly asks when they can start dating.
Family Matters
Who left the toilet seat up? Who neglected to replace the paper towel roll? Who devoured the last cupcake? These seem like trivial issues, yet they hold significant weight in family dynamics.
Friends
Family outings like picnics or museum trips used to be highlights. Now, it’s all about their friends. Sorry, Mom.
Designing Women
Helping your tween assemble a wardrobe can be challenging; there are fashion rules to follow, like never mixing zebra stripes with leopard spots. Even at 11, boundaries are necessary.
A Different World
This explains the baffling new math rules. Whatever happened to carrying the one or long division?
Wiseguy
Eye rolls have become the primary form of communication, supplemented by a vocabulary that includes the all-purpose “whatever.” That is, if they ever decide to exit their rooms.
Growing Pains
These struggles are yours, not theirs. You haven’t exercised in ages, and your jeans are starting to protest. Thankfully, the flowing tunic tops from the ’80s are still in your closet.
Empty Nest
The day will arrive when your once-tiny child spreads their wings and leaves home. While you may no longer be hiding the zebra-striped pants or dodging awkward questions, you’ll feel the absence of a significant part of your life. Take solace, though; it won’t be long before they return home to do their laundry, and your house will be bustling once again.
For more insights on family dynamics and parenting, you can explore additional resources such as this informative guide from the CDC, as well as this comprehensive article on at-home insemination. If you’re interested in the tools for such endeavors, check out this authority on home insemination kits.
Summary
Revisiting our favorite shows from the ’80s and ’90s reveals how parenting themes have evolved over time. The humor and nostalgia of these series resonate with the challenges many parents face today, highlighting the changes in family dynamics and children’s behavior.